monarchy
noun
mon·ar·chy
ˈmä-nər-kē 
also -ˌnär-
plural monarchies
1
: undivided rule or absolute sovereignty by a single person
Saudi Arabia is governed by a monarchy.
2
: a nation or state having a monarchical government
Britain is a monarchy.
3
: a government having a hereditary chief of state with life tenure and powers varying from nominal to absolute
The country's hereditary monarchy survived for centuries.
Examples of monarchy in a Sentence
the French monarchy of the 18th century
Recent Examples on the Web
Eswatini is ruled by a king as Africa’s last absolute monarchy, and authorities have been accused of clamping down on pro-democracy movements, sometimes violently.
—
Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Everyone even tangentially involved with the British royal family has opinions about the state of the monarchy and the damage Andrew’s scandals have caused it.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 Apr. 2026
Their decision may subtly challenge King Charles’ work-heavy model of monarchy.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026
The special ceremony itself continued centuries-old tradition and drew attention to Charles' rank and future role in the monarchy as he was presented to the people of Wales as their prince.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for monarchy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Everyone even tangentially involved with the British royal family has opinions about the state of the monarchy and the damage Andrew’s scandals have caused it.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 Apr. 2026
Their decision may subtly challenge King Charles’ work-heavy model of monarchy.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026
The special ceremony itself continued centuries-old tradition and drew attention to Charles' rank and future role in the monarchy as he was presented to the people of Wales as their prince.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for monarchy
Cite this Entry
“Monarchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monarchy. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
monarchy
noun
mon·ar·chy
ˈmän-ər-kē
plural monarchies
1
: total rule by one person
2
: a nation or country ruled by a monarch
3
: a form of government having a chief of state who inherits the position, rules for life, and holds powers varying from very limited to total
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
